Comments on: Mom’s Corner - Olympic Follies 1984 http://doversworld.com/blog/2009/10/moms-corner-olympic-follies-1984/ The website of Robert Dover Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:52:36 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8-bleeding-edge hourly 1 By: Jean Dover http://doversworld.com/blog/2009/10/moms-corner-olympic-follies-1984/comment-page-1/#comment-4564 Jean Dover Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:09:21 +0000 http://doversworld.com/blog/?p=1956#comment-4564 Dearest Berni, I was amazed that my eyes were still dilated today. There were many errands to run so I can sit back and enjoy Dale's visit. Herb just came into the room and asked me to show him a picture of Dale. I guess he is worried he won't recognize her. I took out a group shot of the family. He pointed to Stacy our granddaughter and said, "Is this her?" I said, "No she is the next one over." Then his said, "Now I recognize Dale". To me his is the worst illness. It is dying by the inch. I am 90% good with him though I must admit I still forget and am surprised when he doesn't know something, or how to do something. You can read a dozen books about Alzheimer's but when it is someone you love and take care of sometimes thing can get overwhelming. I pray for patients, and calmness, and kindness, all the virtues needed to deal with Herb. The best advise I can give your Mom's friend is to have more then two opinions on how to successfully proceed with her recovery. Read Lance Armstrong's book. It is not about riding but how he conquered testicular cancer that had spread to his lungs and brain. He gave me the courage to change Doctors. I never wanted to hurt their feelings. He, and Robert made me see it is my life I am trying to save. Their egos will heal in a few minutes. It had been a long day and Berni I am longing to rest my eyes. Love, Roberts Mom Dearest Berni,
I was amazed that my eyes were still dilated today. There were many errands to run so I can sit back and enjoy Dale’s visit.
Herb just came into the room and asked me to show him a picture of Dale. I guess he is worried he won’t recognize her. I took out a group shot of the family. He pointed to Stacy our granddaughter and said, “Is this her?” I said, “No she is the next one over.” Then his said, “Now I recognize Dale”. To me his is the worst illness. It is dying by the inch. I am 90% good with him though I must admit I still forget and am surprised when he doesn’t know something, or how to do something. You can read a dozen books about Alzheimer’s but when it is someone you love and take care of sometimes thing can get overwhelming. I pray for patients, and calmness, and kindness, all the virtues needed to deal with Herb.
The best advise I can give your Mom’s friend is to have more then two opinions on how to successfully proceed with her recovery. Read Lance Armstrong’s book. It is not about riding but how he conquered testicular cancer that had spread to his lungs and brain. He gave me the courage to change Doctors. I never wanted to hurt their feelings. He, and Robert made me see it is my life I am trying to save. Their egos will heal in a few minutes.
It had been a long day and Berni I am longing to rest my eyes.
Love,
Roberts Mom

]]> By: Bernie Hewitt http://doversworld.com/blog/2009/10/moms-corner-olympic-follies-1984/comment-page-1/#comment-4558 Bernie Hewitt Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:25:57 +0000 http://doversworld.com/blog/?p=1956#comment-4558 Dear Jean, I am amazed at what you do. I wouldn't take the liberty of advising you to rest your eyes, you know what's best for you. (But rest your eyes) I had no idea when I started talking to you that the C word would ever be a feature of your discussions. I hate to tell you this in one way, but am glad in another that it did becuase you've raised so much comfort and hope to us in this time. My mother's friend is now out of the hospital (albeit for a time). There's a limit to what I want to say on the web (I know Robert's gonna be after me for this, but I'm a Brit, he knows) but you know, there is so much positivity to be shared in these circumstances. Especially when it's new, scary. You just helped dispel the 'innards' stuff. You're amazing! Rest your eyes! Lots love Bernie Dear Jean,
I am amazed at what you do. I wouldn’t take the liberty of advising you to rest your eyes, you know what’s best for you. (But rest your eyes)
I had no idea when I started talking to you that the C word would ever be a feature of your discussions. I hate to tell you this in one way, but am glad in another that it did becuase you’ve raised so much comfort and hope to us in this time.
My mother’s friend is now out of the hospital (albeit for a time). There’s a limit to what I want to say on the web (I know Robert’s gonna be after me for this, but I’m a Brit, he knows) but you know, there is so much positivity to be shared in these circumstances. Especially when it’s new, scary. You just helped dispel the ‘innards’ stuff.
You’re amazing! Rest your eyes!
Lots love

Bernie

]]> By: Jean Dover http://doversworld.com/blog/2009/10/moms-corner-olympic-follies-1984/comment-page-1/#comment-4544 Jean Dover Tue, 03 Nov 2009 01:40:50 +0000 http://doversworld.com/blog/?p=1956#comment-4544 Dearest Bernie, You need to clone yourself so you can divide your work load up. When do you sleep? I always told myself, don't write about cancer. No one likes to talk about sickness, except those who are sick. It is enough to live it. Today I went to Bascom Palmer. It is the #1 eye hospital in the WORLD. They do a series of 4 tests with different machines, and then you see your Doctor. It was thrilling to hear him say the cancer in my eyes had receded, and they were much better. Truly, I knew that before I went in as I was no longer seeing white circles going around in my left eye. I don't have to return until February 1st. The weather is beautiful in Florida now. It is our turn to gloat as much of the rest of the world freezes. My eyes are still so dilated I am having trouble seeing what I type. My prayers include your Mom and her friend. May the Good Lord be kind to both. Love, Roberts Mom Dearest Bernie,
You need to clone yourself so you can divide your work load up. When do you sleep?
I always told myself, don’t write about cancer. No one likes to talk about sickness, except those who are sick. It is enough to live it. Today I went to Bascom Palmer. It is the #1 eye hospital in the WORLD. They do a series of 4 tests with different machines, and then you see your Doctor. It was thrilling to hear him say the cancer in my eyes had receded, and they were much better. Truly, I knew that before I went in as I was no longer seeing white circles going around in my left eye.
I don’t have to return until February 1st.
The weather is beautiful in Florida now. It is our turn to gloat as much of the rest of the world freezes.
My eyes are still so dilated I am having trouble seeing what I type.
My prayers include your Mom and her friend. May the Good Lord be kind to both.
Love,
Roberts Mom

]]> By: Bernie Hewitt http://doversworld.com/blog/2009/10/moms-corner-olympic-follies-1984/comment-page-1/#comment-4469 Bernie Hewitt Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:47:23 +0000 http://doversworld.com/blog/?p=1956#comment-4469 Dear Jean, Admit it has been busy, but I am getting to grips with organising my time, so I'll try to stay in touch more. I decided to study for a doctorate, and I got funding to do that, which is great. I'm also going to be taking some classes at the university. It will be fun to work with bright young people. I decided the commute to London (which being a practitioner would entail) every day was not for me! I'm a writing and research geek I guess. Yet again your wisdom and sense of fun conveys a wonderful message of how to cope with the bad times. I laughed at the wig story but I'll bet you look beautiful even if the hair's not quite as you want it. My mother's friend has several tumours. The only sign was that she lost a lot of weight then collapsed and was admitted to hospital as an emergency. I think the doctors are still figuring it all out. On the bright side, she is a strong person and she has a great friend and great sons. I'll keep you posted. You take care and keep beating it! Much love, Bernie x Dear Jean,

Admit it has been busy, but I am getting to grips with organising my time, so I’ll try to stay in touch more. I decided to study for a doctorate, and I got funding to do that, which is great. I’m also going to be taking some classes at the university. It will be fun to work with bright young people. I decided the commute to London (which being a practitioner would entail) every day was not for me! I’m a writing and research geek I guess.
Yet again your wisdom and sense of fun conveys a wonderful message of how to cope with the bad times. I laughed at the wig story but I’ll bet you look beautiful even if the hair’s not quite as you want it.
My mother’s friend has several tumours. The only sign was that she lost a lot of weight then collapsed and was admitted to hospital as an emergency. I think the doctors are still figuring it all out.
On the bright side, she is a strong person and she has a great friend and great sons. I’ll keep you posted.
You take care and keep beating it!
Much love,
Bernie x

]]> By: Jean Dover http://doversworld.com/blog/2009/10/moms-corner-olympic-follies-1984/comment-page-1/#comment-4460 Jean Dover Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:57:00 +0000 http://doversworld.com/blog/?p=1956#comment-4460 Dear Marci, I remember when we lived on Dempsey Crescent in Willowdale. I would dress the children for the cold weather, in hats over their ears, mittens, and scarfs. Sketter, our wonderful wirehair terrier would run down the hill with them, and pull off the mittens, or hat and run away with them. I worried they would get frost bitten, but they loved it. I remember our older daughter Margo coming home from school with her hat off,and her coat open,acting like BIG Stuff. As soon as she spied me checking, she quick buttoned up and put on her hat and gloves. Robert was very young. Only 8 or 9. I don't remember him removing his outerwear. What I do remember about him at that age is that he saw every bug in our house, or in others homes. He would whisper in my ear,"Mom look up there near the ceiling. I see a spider web with the spider in the middle". Or at a fancy restaurant. "Look Mom there is an inch worm in my salad. Can I keep it?". That didn't go over to well with the waiter, but the other patrons loved it. I don't think I was ever at a Royal. It is probable that Mrs.Gross who took Robert riding would have taken him with her children. At that time I was still very into acting I had no idea Dressage would become so important in Robert's life. How exciting that it did. His career has taken us all over the world, and into countries we would never have dreamed of going. Herb and I have 4 wonderful children. Each one has brought joy, and adventure into our lives. Just wait until you see how yours do the same. Marci,trust me, it is well worth cleaning up the mud & muck. Love, Roberts mom Dear Marci,
I remember when we lived on Dempsey Crescent in Willowdale. I would dress the children for the cold weather, in hats over their ears, mittens, and scarfs. Sketter, our wonderful wirehair terrier would run down the hill with them, and pull off the mittens, or hat and run away with them. I worried they would get frost bitten, but they loved it. I remember our older daughter Margo coming home from school with her hat off,and her coat open,acting like BIG Stuff. As soon as she spied me checking, she quick buttoned up and put on her hat and gloves. Robert was very young. Only 8 or 9. I don’t remember him removing his outerwear. What I do remember about him at that age is that he saw every bug in our house, or in others homes. He would whisper in my ear,”Mom look up there near the ceiling. I see a spider web with the spider in the middle”. Or at a fancy restaurant. “Look Mom there is an inch worm in my salad. Can I keep it?”. That didn’t go over to well with the waiter, but the other patrons loved it.
I don’t think I was ever at a Royal. It is probable that Mrs.Gross who took Robert riding would have taken him with her children. At that time I was still very into acting I had no idea Dressage would become so important in Robert’s life. How exciting that it did. His career has taken us all over the world, and into countries we would never have dreamed of going. Herb and I have 4 wonderful children. Each one has brought joy, and adventure into our lives. Just wait until you see how yours do the same. Marci,trust me, it is well worth cleaning up the mud & muck.
Love,
Roberts mom

]]> By: Jean Dover http://doversworld.com/blog/2009/10/moms-corner-olympic-follies-1984/comment-page-1/#comment-4456 Jean Dover Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:09:43 +0000 http://doversworld.com/blog/?p=1956#comment-4456 Dear Berni, How nice to hear from you. I thought you were much to busy to e-mail me due to being a working lawyer. I am sorry however to hear about your Mom's friend having cancer. Just the word causes fear in the innards. All I can tell you is that there is nothing like friends to keep you going, when the going gets tough. Today I felt sooooo sorry for myself. My hair has fallen out needlessly, because I was given a drug my little frame could not tolerate. I have changed Doctors,and changed to chemotherapy drugs,that don't cause that side effect. So why was I so depressed? I guess because I had to wear my wig for the first time in 6 years. It is hard to believe it still looks like new. It didn't oxidize. Isn't that cause to celebrate. That is what my best friends make me do,& that is what I am sure your Mom's friend will do for her. They say, think about it. Your wig could have fallen apart and it would have cost you big bucks to get a new one. Let's celebrate with lunch tomorrow, your treat! That of course makes me laugh out loud. It has been much to warm for Herb to wear his new jacket. He probably doesn't even remember he has one. The winter is supposed to be cool due to the El Nino. Forgive m,e I have no idea if I spelled that right. It kept us from having a Hurricane, but increases the chance of cold weather. What kind of cancer does your Mom's friend have. Berni. I have survived three different kinds of cancer in my life time, and I am going to survive this one too. Please don't be strange. I love hearing form you. Roberts Mom . Dear Berni,
How nice to hear from you. I thought you were much to busy to e-mail me due to being a working lawyer.
I am sorry however to hear about your Mom’s friend having cancer. Just the word causes fear in the innards.
All I can tell you is that there is nothing like friends to keep you going, when the going gets tough.
Today I felt sooooo sorry for myself. My hair has fallen out needlessly, because I was given a drug my little frame could not tolerate. I have changed Doctors,and changed to chemotherapy drugs,that don’t cause that side effect. So why was I so depressed? I guess because I had to wear my wig for the first time in 6 years. It is hard to believe it still looks like new. It didn’t oxidize. Isn’t that cause to celebrate. That is what my best friends make me do,& that is what I am sure your Mom’s friend will do for her. They say, think about it. Your wig could have fallen apart and it would have cost you big bucks to get a new one. Let’s celebrate with lunch tomorrow, your treat! That of course makes me laugh out loud.
It has been much to warm for Herb to wear his new jacket. He probably doesn’t even remember he has one. The winter is supposed to be cool due to the El Nino. Forgive m,e I have no idea if I spelled that right. It kept us from having a Hurricane, but increases the chance of cold weather.
What kind of cancer does your Mom’s friend have. Berni. I have survived three different kinds of cancer in my life time, and I am going to survive this one too.
Please don’t be strange. I love hearing form you.
Roberts Mom

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]]> By: Marci Brown http://doversworld.com/blog/2009/10/moms-corner-olympic-follies-1984/comment-page-1/#comment-4438 Marci Brown Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:58:47 +0000 http://doversworld.com/blog/?p=1956#comment-4438 Hi Roberts Mom, I hope you are feeling strong, emotionally and physically. Prayers are always sent from Canada for you ! The weather here is really cooling down and getting rainy, between the horses, kids and dogs, we manage to stir up alot of mud and muck this time of year ! I am sure you are thankful for your mild seasons down there ! We are gearing up for the Royal Winter Fair in a few weeks. I will be trailering up with two horses, one belonging to my staff, who will defend his championship title, and one belonging to a young teen student ! She is already SO excited ! Do you have any memories of the Royal Winter Fair that you can share with us Canadians ? We are very proud of the Fair, and I hope with Roberts help we can bring some pizzaz back to the dressage evening ! Wish you could come with Robert to visit the Fair ! Lets plan for next year ! Stay well, Marci Hi Roberts Mom,

I hope you are feeling strong, emotionally and physically. Prayers are always sent from Canada for you ! The weather here is really cooling down and getting rainy, between the horses, kids and dogs, we manage to stir up alot of mud and muck this time of year ! I am sure you are thankful for your mild seasons down there !

We are gearing up for the Royal Winter Fair in a few weeks. I will be trailering up with two horses, one belonging to my staff, who will defend his championship title, and one belonging to a young teen student ! She is already SO excited ! Do you have any memories of the Royal Winter Fair that you can share with us Canadians ? We are very proud of the Fair, and I hope with Roberts help we can bring some pizzaz back to the dressage evening !

Wish you could come with Robert to visit the Fair ! Lets plan for next year !

Stay well,
Marci

]]> By: Bernie Hewitt http://doversworld.com/blog/2009/10/moms-corner-olympic-follies-1984/comment-page-1/#comment-4436 Bernie Hewitt Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:56:40 +0000 http://doversworld.com/blog/?p=1956#comment-4436 Dear Jean, Loved your Olympic story! I hope Herb enjoys wearing his new jacket. At the weekend my mother told me that her best friend of many years has cancer. She is very ill indeed. I'm going to relate your stories to Mum to keep her spirits up, as she is doing a sterling job of that and organising things for her friend. One more to add to the prayer list.. Much love, Bernie Dear Jean,

Loved your Olympic story! I hope Herb enjoys wearing his new jacket.
At the weekend my mother told me that her best friend of many years has cancer. She is very ill indeed. I’m going to relate your stories to Mum to keep her spirits up, as she is doing a sterling job of that and organising things for her friend.
One more to add to the prayer list..
Much love,
Bernie

]]> By: Jean Dover http://doversworld.com/blog/2009/10/moms-corner-olympic-follies-1984/comment-page-1/#comment-4430 Jean Dover Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:54:07 +0000 http://doversworld.com/blog/?p=1956#comment-4430 Dearest Jessica, It seems everyone you speak to knows, or is related to someone who has lung cancer. I am praying for another miracle for your Mom & Me. Altima & Avastin in combination are the drugs I am getting every three weeks. The side effects have been minimal. Maybe because I changed Doctors & this one knows how to judge how much I can handle!. The last time I had Alimta for 12 months I had many side effects. However it did put me into remission for 11 months. Enough about illness. Yesterday I took Herb shopping for a new Bomber Jacket. He had a beauty, but it went astray last winter, never to be seen again. We found a really nice jacket called "Waterproof". Yes, that is the brand name. It is a yummy cocoa brown washable suede.I know Herb will enjoy wearing it this winter during our two cool weeks. Maybe we will have more. The weatherman says it will be a cool winter. Time will tell. It is nice you have an indoor ring in which to ride. Do you have mirrors so you can check yourself out? I remember that it gets very windy and cold in Chicago, and feels colder in the open areas. Enjoy while you may. Tomorrow I am taking an afternoon off to go to lunch with a lovely ladyfriend. Then we will see if we can help out the department stores as they sure are crying for business. I want to find a pretty jacket for Dale. She arrives next week for a 4 day visit. I know she will not want to waste time shopping. It is not her thing! Robert has high hopes for the Canadians. They are lovely people. Our 4 years living in Willowdale gave us friends I still speak to weekly. We used to visit, but age has slowed us all down. The men have all died. Herb is the last leaf. I see it is time to stop as this e-mail is getting maudlin! Love you, Jessica, Roberts Mom Dearest Jessica,
It seems everyone you speak to knows, or is related to someone who has lung cancer. I am praying for another miracle for your Mom & Me. Altima & Avastin in combination are the drugs I am getting every three weeks. The side effects have been minimal. Maybe because I changed Doctors & this one knows how to judge how much I can handle!. The last time I had Alimta for 12 months I had many side effects. However it did put me into remission for 11 months. Enough about illness.
Yesterday I took Herb shopping for a new Bomber Jacket. He had a beauty, but it went astray last winter, never to be seen again. We found a really nice jacket called “Waterproof”. Yes, that is the brand name. It is a yummy cocoa brown washable suede.I know Herb will enjoy wearing it this winter during our two cool weeks. Maybe we will have more. The weatherman says it will be a cool winter. Time will tell.
It is nice you have an indoor ring in which to ride. Do you have mirrors so you can check yourself out? I remember that it gets very windy and cold in Chicago, and feels colder in the open areas. Enjoy while you may.
Tomorrow I am taking an afternoon off to go to lunch with a lovely ladyfriend. Then we will see if we can help out the department stores as they sure are crying for business. I want to find a pretty jacket for Dale. She arrives next week for a 4 day visit. I know she will not want to waste time shopping. It is not her thing!
Robert has high hopes for the Canadians. They are lovely people. Our 4 years living in Willowdale gave us friends I still speak to weekly. We used to visit, but age has slowed us all down. The men have all died. Herb is the last leaf. I see it is time to stop as this e-mail is getting maudlin!
Love you, Jessica,
Roberts Mom

]]> By: Jessica http://doversworld.com/blog/2009/10/moms-corner-olympic-follies-1984/comment-page-1/#comment-4423 Jessica Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:42:19 +0000 http://doversworld.com/blog/?p=1956#comment-4423 It's funny you mention Native Dancer! I have a friend here at work who is going out to California for the Breeder's Cup to see her friends horse race. Her name is She Be Wild - Native Dancer and Seattle Slew are in her bloodlines! How cool is that? Her sire is Offlee Wild and he stands at Darley Farms in Kentucky! Mom is doing OK - last chemo last week and then we start Alimta in 3 weeks. Her doctor does not anticipate she will need another transfusion, which is fantastic news. Unfortunately we have a dear friend who just received a lung cancer diagnosis this week. We are praying for them - He is thinking about going to my mom's doctor too. It sounds like things are going very well for Robert in Canada - Sounds very exciting! We do have an indoor arena at the barn I ride at during the winter - It's not heated, so it can get very chilly, but at least we can still ride! Let me know how you are feeling! Love Jessica It’s funny you mention Native Dancer! I have a friend here at work who is going out to California for the Breeder’s Cup to see her friends horse race. Her name is She Be Wild - Native Dancer and Seattle Slew are in her bloodlines! How cool is that? Her sire is Offlee Wild and he stands at Darley Farms in Kentucky!

Mom is doing OK - last chemo last week and then we start Alimta in 3 weeks. Her doctor does not anticipate she will need another transfusion, which is fantastic news. Unfortunately we have a dear friend who just received a lung cancer diagnosis this week. We are praying for them - He is thinking about going to my mom’s doctor too.

It sounds like things are going very well for Robert in Canada - Sounds very exciting!

We do have an indoor arena at the barn I ride at during the winter - It’s not heated, so it can get very chilly, but at least we can still ride!

Let me know how you are feeling! Love Jessica

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